The Greg Hughes Show

In this episode of The Greg Hughes Podcast, Greg is joined in studio by Letterkenny Sinn Féin Councillor Gerry McMonagle for an in-depth conversation reflecting on his life, personal history, and political career.

Gerry opens up about growing up in Derry during the height of the Troubles, his early activism, and the personal and political experiences that shaped his path—including his arrests and receiving an official “letter of comfort.” He speaks candidly about making the move across the border to establish a new life in Letterkenny, making Donegal his home, and his deep-rooted passion for community politics.

The discussion also explores his long-standing work representing the local community, his view on the evolution of Sinn Féin over the decades, and his thoughts on the current party leadership.

Listen back to the full episode now on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts.

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Today we explore milestone infrastructure plans connecting Donegal Town to the Twin Towns, disturbing classroom insights into childhood social pressures, and cross-border roadside assistance failures.

Inside Today’s Episode:

The Morning Press: We open the show with our daily scan through the local and national newspapers, catching up on the leading stories, community news, and headlines breaking across the country today.

Major Progress for the Barnesmore Gap Greenway: Donegal County Council has officially published the statutory planning application, Environmental Impact Assessment Report (EIAR), and Compulsory Purchase Order (CPO) for the long-awaited 37.5km Barnesmore Gap Greenway.

The Engineering Vision: Senior Executive Engineer Brian Reid joins the show to detail the proposed route linking Donegal Town to Ballybofey and Stranorlar, outlining the statutory timeline, public consultation details, and safety benefits.

Local Political Reaction: Local Councillor Patrick McGowan shares his perspective on what this major active travel project means for tourism, local land acquisition, and economic growth across the East Donegal region.

Classroom Realities: Social Media Pressure & Lost Creativity: Teacher Nessa McGrattan drops into the studio to share troubling observations from the modern primary classroom. Nessa highlights a noticeable decline in independent creative thinking among pupils, alongside early-onset social pressures—where young girls are becoming hyper-conscious of their image and boys as young as 10 have been observed “grading” female classmates on their physical appearance.

Cross-Border Roadside Assistance Breakdown:  Nicholas Crossan shares a recent personal ordeal that exposed severe flaws and disastrous breakdowns in communication when using AA roadside assistance across the border, sparking a broader discussion on service reliability for cross-border drivers.

Highland Radio Customer Service Awards 2026: We broadcast live from the Mount Errigal Hotel in Letterkenny for the official launch of the 2026 Highland Radio Customer Service Awards! We celebrate excellence in local business, outline this year’s categories, and explain how listeners can nominate their favorite local businesses.

Business Matters Preview: Chris Ashmore stops by to preview this week’s episode of the Business Matters podcast, keeping us up to speed on commercial trends, local enterprise, and economic news across Donegal.

Listen to the full episode and stay ahead of the local news:

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Today we address a heartbreaking update to a local tragedy in Kilcar, strategic proposals for regional healthcare education, an investigation into synthetic drug proliferation, and sharp debate over early childhood consent education.

Inside Today’s Episode:

The Morning Press: We open the show with a look at the front pages and key news stories making headlines across the morning papers.

Kilcar Devastated by Passing of Noreen McHugh: Fr. William Peoples, Parish Priest in Kilcar, joins the show to react to the devastating news that Noreen McHugh has passed away in hospital. Noreen succumbed to injuries sustained in Monday’s road collision in Cavan which also tragically claimed the life of her husband, Donegal GAA legend James McHugh. Fr. Peoples reflects on the deep shock, grief, and profound sadness overwhelming the local community as they support the McHugh family.

The Case for a Dental School at ATU Letterkenny: We explore growing calls to establish a new School of Dentistry at Atlantic Technological University (ATU) in Letterkenny to combat the nationwide dentist shortage and regional access gaps:

The Political View: Deputy Charles Ward discusses the strategic policy, regional investment, and government backing needed to deliver the facility.

The Clinical Perspective: Dr. Gerard Roarty outlines the severe operational pressures on local dental practices and how a regional training hub would help recruit and retain qualified professionals in the North West.

The Rise of Synthetic Drugs: Noel Baker, investigative journalist with Journal.ie, joins Greg to discuss his recent deep-dive investigation into the dangerous proliferation of synthetic drugs across Ireland. Noel breaks down how new chemical compounds are being manufactured, distributed, and the growing risks they pose to public health and law enforcement.

Teaching Consent in Preschools Debate: Ellen O’Malley Dunlop, outgoing member of the EU’s GREVIO monitoring body, discusses recommendations calling for age-appropriate concepts of consent and body autonomy to be introduced at preschool level. The proposal sparks significant debate, with a flood of listeners contacting the show to voice strong concerns and reservations about early childhood implementation.

Surging Parking Charges at LUH: A Sinn Féin TD joins the program to break down newly obtained HSE figures revealing a dramatic increase in revenue collected from hospital car parking fees at Letterkenny University Hospital (LUH). The discussion highlights how rising rates act as an unfair financial penalty on patients, regular visitors, and healthcare staff during an ongoing cost-of-living crisis.

In the Garden with Paul McLaughlin: Resident gardening expert Paul McLaughlin is in-studio taking listener calls, offering seasonal planting tips, and answering your late-summer garden maintenance questions.

Listen to the full episode and stay ahead of the local news:

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Today we pay tribute to a true Donegal GAA legend following a tragic loss, explore proposed tax reforms for overtime workers, get expert stargazing tips for an upcoming solar eclipse, and hear a stark fire safety warning from a local photographer.

Inside Today’s Episode:

The Morning Press: We open the show with a look at the front pages and main headlines breaking across the newspapers today.

Tributes to Donegal Legend James McHugh: The county is in mourning following the tragic death of 1992 All-Ireland winning hero James McHugh in a road collision in County Cavan.

1992 Captain Remembers: His close friend and 1992 All-Ireland winning captain, Cllr Anthony Molloy, joins us to share heartfelt memories of James both on and off the pitch.

Donegal GAA Reaction: Chairperson of Donegal GAA Mary Coughlan pays tribute to James’ immense legacy, his dedication to his club Kilcar, and his enduring impact on Gaelic games across the county.

Smoke-Free Generation Bill: Deputy Malcolm Byrne discusses his ambitious Smoke-Free Generation legislation as he seeks to progress it through the Dáil, aiming to gradually phase out the sale of tobacco products to future generations.

A Look to the Skies: Astronomy Ireland’s David Moore joins Greg to preview tomorrow’s deep solar eclipse, giving listeners advice on the best viewing times, locations, and how to safely observe the astronomical phenomenon.

Tax Relief on Overtime Proposed: Independent Deputy Michael Healy-Rae outlines his new pre-budget submission, which calls for reducing tax on overtime work to a flat rate of 20%. Callers, including listener Michael, join the conversation in broad agreement that the move would encourage workers and ease cost-of-living pressures.

Community Garda Information: Garda Gerard McNamee delivers this week’s update, issuing appeals following a series of recent road traffic collisions across the region. He also offers essential crime prevention advice for owners of Japanese import cars following a recent spike in thefts and break-ins targeting those models.

Fire Safety Warning & Honouring Iggy: Falcarragh photographer James O’Donnell is in-studio with a dramatic personal warning after a discarded medical inhaler caused a severe explosion in his open fire with near-tragic consequences. James also fondly remembers his beloved, world-famous dog Iggy and introduces his memorial calendar for 2027.

Listen to the full episode and stay ahead of the local news:

The post The Greg Hughes Show | Tuesday | 11/08/2026 appeared first on Highland Radio - Latest Donegal News and Sport.

Today we address the high-security extradition of cartel boss Daniel Kinahan, ongoing business concerns over Letterkenny’s traffic bottlenecks, urgent appeals for student housing, and local fundraising drives across Donegal and Sligo.

Inside Today’s Episode:

The Morning Press: We kick off the program with our daily look at the front pages, reviewing the leading national and regional headlines breaking across the newspapers today.

Daniel Kinahan Extradited to Ireland: Crime journalist Nicola Tallant joins Greg to discuss the major news of Daniel Kinahan’s extradition from Dubai back to Ireland. Nicola breaks down the array of alleged crimes facing the cartel boss, the massive security operation surrounding his arrival, and what happens next as he faces legal proceedings at the Special Criminal Court.

Letterkenny Traffic Gridlock Revisited: We return to the ongoing debate surrounding Letterkenny’s chronic traffic congestion and roadworks. Letterkenny Chamber member Leonard Watson, Chamber President Toni Forrester, and local businessman Shaun Gallagher join the conversation to discuss the economic impact on local enterprise and what short- and long-term solutions are needed.

The DL Debate Preview: Sports analyst Brendan Devenney drops by to preview tonight’s edition of The DL Debate, looking back at the weekend’s club GAA action across Donegal and setting the stage for tonight’s panel analysis.

Student Accommodation Crisis Appeal: ATU Student Union Vice President Joseph Sweeney makes a direct appeal to homeowners and landlords across Letterkenny and the wider region. With the new academic year fast approaching, Joseph urges anyone with a spare room to consider offering it to students struggling to secure housing.

Questioning RSA Marketing Spend: Sligo Councillor Marie Casserly questions the current advertising and marketing budget of the Road Safety Authority (RSA). Cllr Casserly suggests that public funds would be far more effective if redirected toward increasing visible Garda Traffic Corps personnel on the roads.

Buncrana Golf Club Youth Fundraiser: Buncrana Golf Club Captain Liam Henderson and former Captain Pius McFadden drop into the studio to promote their upcoming Drive It Home fundraiser. They outline how the event aims to secure vital funding to develop local youth golf programs and facility upgrades.

Listen to the full episode and stay ahead of the local news:

The post The Greg Hughes Show | Monday | 10/08/2026 appeared first on Highland Radio - Latest Donegal News and Sport.

Today we tackle ongoing debates over Letterkenny’s traffic, online influencer subcultures, a deep-dive podcast preview, local Rose of Tralee contestants, and an exciting festival preview.

Inside Today’s Episode:

The Friday Panel: Tír Chonaill Tribune Editor John McAteer, India Kennedy, and Dr. Joe Kelly join Greg  for a lively Friday debate:

Letterkenny Traffic Gridlock: The panel dives into the chronic congestion issues in Letterkenny, debating proposed Active Travel solutions, roadwork timing, and what long-term infrastructure changes are needed to ease the bottleneck.

Tackling “Manosphere” & “Tradwife” Influencers: The guests debate the pros and cons of a proposed national public awareness campaign targeting extreme online subcultures—evaluating whether state intervention can effectively counter harmful social media algorithms and traditionalist influencer trends.

The Greg Hughes Podcast Preview: We feature a preview clip of the latest episode of The Greg Hughes Podcast, where Independent Councillor Declan Meehan and his husband, GP Dr. Padraig McGuinness, share a candid conversation on public life, politics, and healthcare.

Road to the Rose of Tralee: With the Rose of Tralee International Festival just around the corner, we welcome two local representatives into the studio:

Donegal Rose Emma Nelis: Gartan native and secondary school teacher Emma shares her journey since being crowned and her excitement representing Donegal.

Derry Rose Cara Hamilton: Cara joins Greg to chat about representing her native Derry and her preparations for taking to the stage in Tralee.

Summer Sessions Preview: We go live on-site to the festival grounds of the Letterkenny Summer Sessions. Corinne and event organizer Shane Barr give us an exclusive preview of the jam-packed concert lineup promises for this year’s event.

Listen to the full episode and stay ahead of the local news:

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In this episode, Greg is joined by Independent Councillor Declan Meehan (Letterkenny / Milford MD) and his husband, local GP Dr Padraig (Paudge) McGuinness, for a candid and wide-ranging conversation about public life, community service, and personal resilience.

In this episode:

How It All Started: The Tinder match between Dublin and Belfast that led to their 2019 wedding, and how they protect their private life despite being in the public eye.

Paths to Public Service: Declan on his background in politics, co-founding the LGBTQ+ equality charity ShoutOut, and his day job managing the Milford & District Resource Centre (MDRC).

Frontline Healthcare in Donegal: Paudge explains how he ended up as a GP in Fanad, the severe pressures facing Letterkenny University Hospital’s ED, and the ongoing fight for better healthcare infrastructure in the North West.

The Human Cost of Public Life: A direct, personal look at what it’s like to face online hatred, homophobic abuse, and death threats while simply trying to help people and serve the community.

Life Outside work: Unwinding at the end of the day, their love for city breaks, and Declan’s plans to walk the Camino this year.

Letterkenny Surgical Hub Update: Where the project currently stands as it moves to design stage, the impact of being aligned with Sligo’s timeline, and what to expect come autumn.

Available now on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and all major platforms.

The post The Greg Hughes Podcast Ep33 Love, Politics & The Price of Public Life – Declan Meehan & Padraig McGuinness appeared first on Highland Radio - Latest Donegal News and Sport.

Today we focus on the severe traffic gridlock bringing Letterkenny to a standstill, an extraordinary ocean-rowing challenge from an Aranmore family, and an inspiring local talent making waves in Irish motorsport.

Inside Today’s Episode:

The Morning Press: We kick off the show with our daily review of the front pages, tracking the top regional and national headlines breaking across the newspapers today.

Letterkenny Traffic Crisis & Active Travel Disruption: Following yesterday’s severe gridlock, we dedicate a major portion of today’s show to exploring the escalating traffic chaos across Letterkenny:

Ten-T Project Update: Senior Roads Engineer Damien McDermott joins us to provide an update on the progress of the major Ten-T road infrastructure project and how it fits into the long-term transport plans for the town.

Calls for an Immediate Halt: Cllr Donal “Mandy” Kelly calls directly on Donegal County Council to put an immediate stop to ongoing Active Travel roadworks, warning that the current setup is paralyzing the town.

Business & Community Backlash: Shaun Gallagher of Letterkenny Cabs and local campaigner Mary T. Sweeney share the severe impact the gridlock is having on local enterprise and daily travel. Mary T. details plans for an upcoming public meeting to organize a community response.

Listener Outcry & Back-to-School Fears: We read through a wave of messages from listeners who were caught in hours of gridlock or who now actively avoid entering Letterkenny altogether. With schools set to reopen later this month, consensus grows that current delays will soon become unsustainable.

Aranmore Family to Row the World’s Toughest Ocean: We cross live to Aranmore Island to speak with Sharon O’Donnell. Sharon is preparing to embark on the “World’s Toughest Row” across the Atlantic alongside her two sons, taking on the monumental challenge to raise vital funds for the RNLI.

Rising Motorsport Talent: Young motorsport star Jayden McElhinney and his dad, Kelvin, drop into the studio. Jayden discusses his impressive racing career to date, his recent podium achievements, and his big ambitions for the future of his racing career.

Listen to the full episode and stay ahead of the local news:

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Today we address dangerous obstructions at local water access points, escalating cost pressures on small rural businesses, urgent calls for road safety enforcement, and severe regional shortages in GP access.

Inside Today’s Episode:

The Morning Press: We kick off the program with our daily review of the front pages, reviewing the top regional and national headlines breaking across the newspapers today.

Abuse of Piers and Slipways Endangers Rescue Efforts: Mayor of the Letterkenny / Milford Municipal District Pauric McGarvey joins the show to highlight growing concerns over the improper use and blocking of local piers and slipways. Emergency services have issued stark warnings that restricted access to the water is creating critical delays during life-saving marine call-outs.

Rising Costs Threaten Small Local Shops: Local listener Pauric contacts the show to share his deep concern over the future of independent village stores. He outlines how skyrocketing operational costs combined with shrinking profit margins are pushing small local shopkeepers to the brink.

Calls for “Boots on the Ground” Road Policing: Former Garda Sergeant Christie Galligan reflects on Ireland’s worsening road fatality statistics. He calls for an immediate review of the Road Safety Authority (RSA) and demands a visible increase in traffic corps personnel on local roads to deter reckless driving.

Regional Healthcare Under Strain: Sinn Féin Health Spokesperson Deputy David Cullinane discusses alarming new figures showing almost 6,000 people recently contacted the HSE after being unable to secure a local GP. Cullinane breaks down the severe disparities in GP density across the country and outlines what measures are needed to tackle the primary care crisis.

Tip O’Neill Irish Diaspora Award Winner: Brendan “Tiny” Vaughan drops into the studio to reflect on being named a recipient of this year’s prestigious Tip O’Neill Irish Diaspora Award. Brendan discusses his lifelong connection to Donegal, his work within the diaspora community, and what receiving the honour means to him.

Rape Trial Controversy & Victim Blaming: Ciara Mangan, CEO of Beyond Surviving, joins Greg to address widespread outrage following a recent rape trial where the victim’s clothing was presented in court. Ciara discusses how such tactics perpetuate victim-blaming culture and calls for urgent reform in how sexual violence cases are prosecuted.

Listen to the full episode and stay ahead of the local news:

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Today we address pressing healthcare delays in Donegal, small business struggles under regulatory costs, disturbing harassment faced by female public representatives, and the return of a long-standing community festival.

Inside Today’s Episode:

The Morning Press: Donna-Marie Doherty fills in for Greg today and opens the show with a look at the leading news stories across the morning papers. Headline coverage focuses on severe gaps in breast cancer follow-up care in Letterkenny, along with national coverage of the public wake and funeral for Oscar-winning musician Glen Hansard.

School Bus Ticket Despair: Listener Kathleen joins the show to share her deep frustration after her daughter was denied a school bus transport ticket for the upcoming term. Kathleen highlights the baffling inconsistency of the transport system, noting that her six older children were all deemed eligible for the exact same route in Letterkenny.

Small Business vs. Licensing Costs: Teresa from Mullins Shop in Malin Head speaks about her difficult decision to stop selling cigarettes and vapes due to an escalating annual licensing fee of €1,800. Local representative Cllr Ali Farren also joins the conversation to address the heavy financial burden these regulatory costs impose on small rural retailers.

Harassment of Female Politicians: Cllr Dakota Nic Mheanman bravely speaks out about her horrific experience with ongoing targeted harassment. She shares details of being harassed by a man who has been systematically targeting female councillors across Ireland while claiming to be a pedophile.

Community Garda Information: Garda Gráinne Doherty delivers this week’s frontline brief, bringing listeners the latest local police appeals, crime prevention advice, and public safety updates across Donegal.

Milford Summer Festival Revived: Donal Cullen and Geraldine Boucher drop into the studio to share the exciting news that the Milford Summer Festival is officially returning this year for the first time in two decades, bringing community celebrations, music, and family entertainment back to the area.

Specialist Care Delays: Listener Helena shares the harrowing ordeal her husband is currently facing at Letterkenny University Hospital while waiting for an urgent transfer bed at Beaumont Hospital for specialist renal care. Helena expresses deep anxiety over the delays, as the kidney she donated to her husband a decade ago is now in jeopardy.

Irish Cancer Society Responds: Emma Harte from the Irish Cancer Society joins Donna-Marie to respond to growing public concern and frustration surrounding slow response times and follow-up care delays affecting cancer services at Letterkenny University Hospital.

Listen to the full episode and stay ahead of the local news:

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